KC to restore traffic lights at 2 dozen intersections

Resident complaints led city to reverse decision

UPDATED 9:52 PM CDT Jul 18, 2013

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -

After controversy and complaints, two dozen intersections in Kansas City are getting their traffic lights back.

Nine months ago, the city replaced standard traffic signals with stop signs at intersections across the city. Officials said the equipment was outdated and the traffic in those areas wasn't heavy enough to justify having a light.

The decision drew quick protests from people who feared there'd be an increase in crashes and danger to pedestrians.

Danny Lomas said he doesn't have to walk far to see the impact from the changes made at the intersection of 27th Street and Brooklyn Avenue.

"At first, I thought it was kind of different, but then I noticed traffic was running pretty smooth," he said. "As far as pedestrians go, maybe it's harder to get across at times, but you look both ways and you'll get across just fine."

But enough people didn't like the changes that the Kansas City Council voted to turn the traffic lights back on.

Terrance Maxwell said his kids walk to the store at an intersection with a stop sign all the time, and he's happy to see the signals come back.

"There's a lot of times they come home and say, 'Dad, someone ran the stop sign,'" he said. "Nobody really pays attention to these stop signs."

The city said the changes will be made over the next few weeks, and city leaders said they'll plan to revisit the issue down the road and hold more public meetings about it.

See the list of intersections getting their stoplights back after the jump.

Intersections Getting Stoplights Back

Benton Boulevard and 27th Street

Benton Boulevard and 35th Street

Benton Boulevard and 39th Street

Benton Boulevard and Walrond/Linwood Boulevard

Cleveland Avenue and 43rd Street

Cleveland Avenue and Linwood Boulevard

Indiana Avenue and 35th Street

Indiana Avenue and 39th Street

Jackson Avenue and Linwood Boulevard

Woodland Avenue and 18th Street

St. John Avenue and Topping Avenue

The Paseo and 55th Street

The Paseo and 59th Street

Armour Boulevard and Warwick Boulevard

Meyer Boulevard and Oak Street

Gregory Boulevard and Main Street

State Line Road and 63rd Terrace/Tomahawk Road (pending negotiations with Mission Hills)

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